Women's Basketball Signs Four to NLI

The Central Connecticut women's basketball team has announced the addition of four student-athletes for the Fall of 2015.  All four individuals committed to the Blue Devils with a National Letter of Intent during the November signing period.

Sydney Hines (Owings Mills, MD), Andi Lydon (Pittsburgh, PA), Kianna Patterson (Tory, NY) and Reagan Roberts (Seattle, WA) comprise the CCSU women's basketball Class of 2019.

"We are very excited to announce the signing of these four student-athletes and looking forward to when they join us in the Fall of 2015," head coach Beryl Piper said.  "These four young ladies are not only great basketball players, but they are quality people off the court."

Here is a more detailed look at each incoming student-athlete:

Lydon is a 6-1 forward from Pittsburgh who played for head coach Neal Martin at Shaler Area High School.  She also played for the PA Pride AAU squad led by Sam Pierce.  Lydon was an All-Section Team selection following her sophomore and junior seasons.  She also earned Tournament MVP honors at the Hampton Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Penn Trafford Tournament.

Lydon on CCSU: "When deciding on a college, I was really looking for a family atmosphere. I found that immediately at Central Connecticut, starting with the coaching staff."

Piper on Lydon: "Andi is an intelligent, agile post player who has the ability to play inside out which will make her tough to match up with.  She has a nose for the ball and will get after the offensive boards."

Roberts is a 6-1 post player from Seattle, Washington where she played at Monticello High School for coach Josh McElheny.  Roberts was a Second Team All-District and All-Conference selection following her 2014 season at Monticello.

Roberts on CCSU: "On my unofficial and official visits I felt like I could make a difference on the team and fit in well. The coaches were great and I felt like CCSU had a great support system which I love being so far away from my parents."

Piper on Roberts: "Reagan is a strong physical post player who will not shy away from contact and will really help us under the basket."

Patterson is a 5-7 guard from Troy, New York where she played for head coach Paul Bearup at Troy High School.  Patterson has earned All-State honors the last two seasons and helped her Troy team to a New York State Championship in 2013, earning MVP honors along the way.  She is also a three-time First Team All-Area selection and a three-time First Team All-City selection.  Patterson was also named to the Federation All-Tournament Team.

Piper on Patterson: "Kianna is an athletic point guard who will run the show. She has three-point range and can find her teammates on the floor."

Hines is a 5-7 guard from Owings Mills, Maryland.  She played her high school basketball for Gena Young at New Town and played AAU for the MD Pride and head coach Tony Gorham.  Hines was a First Team All-County selection and is a three-time team captain for her high school squad.  She also helped her team to a Regional Championship and an appearance in the state championship game.  Off the court is a member of the National Honor Society, earned the Principal's Leadership Council Award and is on the Honor Roll.  Also a Second Team All-Division selection in volleyball.

Hines on CCSU: "I decided to choose CCSU because it truly felt like the all-around perfect fit for me. I received positive feedback from CCSU students, coaches, and professors on and off the campus. I knew that I would be around genuine people and would have a great college experience at this university."

Piper on Hines: "Sydney is a bouncy combo guard who can shoot the three and penetrate to score in the mid-range.  She has an outstanding ability to find her teammates when she is on the attack and is a tough player that can score with contact."